Older Americans Month: Our 5 favorite Intergenerational housing posts
May is Older Americans Month. The theme of this year’s celebration of older adults is “Get into the Act.” Throughout the month we are highlighting activities and personal stories from our Intergenerational Housing program and how it helps seniors stay active in their own lives and in the community.
May is also Senior Moments from H.O.M.E.'s blogiversary--we started blogging one year ago during Older Americans Month!
Here's a look back at five of our favorite posts about residents in our intergenerational housing program. The thing we love best about these posts is that each one shows how our seniors are active parts of their communities.
Chicago Spartan Day of Service in April: Volunteers worked in our houses and visited with residents over lunch. Photo credit: Mary Rodriguez
1. The Spirit of Independence at Nathalie Salmon House
This post highlighted what "independence" means to some of our residents. And we also heard from them a few great tips on how to stay independent longer.
2. Finding a new home at Pat Crowley House
Charlotte found a lot of good things when she moved into our shared living program: an affordable home, a supportive network, and (perhaps most importantly) well-cooked food! Today, Charlotte continues to be fiercely independent and an active member of her community, and she also enjoys going on outings to museums and other places with H.O.M.E.
3. Christine's holiday to remember
Christine told us that living at Pat Crowley House "starts to feel like a family. It really does. Some of us are older, some of us are younger. Like every family, you have good parts and bad parts, but we also have our warts.” We honored Christine last month at our Annual Celebration Dinner for her embodiment the H.O.M.E. spirit.
4. Ethan has 30 grandparents
Ethan is our youngest, and possibly most well-known, resident. Our intergenerational houses are home to residents ranging in age from 8 months to 92 years old. As Ethan's parents confirm, the blending of generations creates a community that is beneficial for each generation: children, parents, and elders--or as they put it, grandparents.
5. H.O.M.E.'s seniors are awesome
Aren't our seniors awesome? We think so. Check out some of the ways they were engaged in the community last summer.
Several of them will again be joining Team H.O.M.E. in the Hunger Walk on June 20th. If you would like to join them and get involved with our community, please sign up today.
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